The content of this article provides
interesting history, facts and information about the reprieve of a Gladiator.
Not all gladiator fights were fought to the death. If a
combat ended in a draw or the lose fought bravely and well
it was possible that a grant would be made for the reprieve
of a gladiator.

Reprieve of a Gladiator -
the Language of the Arena and GladiatorsTo fully understand the
process which led to the reprieve of a Gladiator
it is necessary to understand the language of the arena and
the gladiators. There were correct processes which
accompanied all the stages of the fights in the arenas of
Ancient Rome. The following table describes the language of
the arena and the gladiators with explanations and
descriptions of the various elements of the ceremonies and
procedures adopted in the arenas of the Ancient Romans.
These definitions will help to clarify the reprieve of a
gladiator:

Missio: A Roman
gladiator who acknowledged defeat could request the
munerarius (giver or 'editor' of the games) to stop the
fight with the repieve of the gladiator and send him alive
(missus) from the arena.

Sine missione: Some
contests were designated ahead of time as sine missione
(meaning "without release," i.e. to the death). In these
circumstances for anyone to grant the reprieve of a
gladiator

Stans missus: A
gladiator who had not fallen he could be "sent away
standing" (stans missus). The decision as to whether a
gladiator was given a reprieve was in the hands of the
spectators. The Editor or emperor, followed the demands of
the 'mob' and not his own wishes

Pollice verso:
Pollice verso meaning "With thumb turned." This referred to
the gesture given by the 'mob' as to whether the reprieve of
a gladiator was in order or that they demanded his death.
Although it is assumed that Pollice verso meaning "With
thumb turned." meant that the thumbs down position although
this could have meant that the thumb was turned to the side.
This signal and their shouting indicated whether or not a
gladiator should be given a reprieve - granted missio.

Pugnare ad digitum:
Pugnare ad digitum meaning "To fight to the finger." The
situation where a gladiator submitted by raising his finger,
or his hand, or whole arm) to signal the munerarius to stop
the fight, hoping for a reprieve.

Liberatio:
Liberatio meaning the freeing of a gladiator who had served
his time

Acta Diurna: The
Acta Diurna (meaning Daily Acts) was the Roman daily paper
which contained news of gladiatorial contests. The
popularity of a gladiator would be helped by publicity which
could lead to a reprieve if necessary